NFL Cowboy Call-Ups: former OSU stars kick off season

Trevor Smith

Sports Blogger

@trevor_smith20

The NFL season started over the weekend and it was everything we could’ve asked for, from a last-second missed field goal on Thursday night, to the Eagles blowout of the Browns in Carson Wentz’s first start. There were also a ton of former Cowboys who played this past weekend throughout the league.

Dez Bryant, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys

Oklahoma State alum Dez Bryant started his seventh season with the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.(Felipe Mac, Flickr)

The seven-year veteran had an abysmal day against the New York Giants. With quarterback Tony Romo out, Bryant was taking passes from rookie Dak Prescott. Bryant was targeted only five times and had one reception. He netted only 8 receiving yards and was non-existent in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys’ 21-20 loss against the Giants. Bryant will be looking to contribute next Sunday as the Cowboys take on division foe Washington and Bryant faces cornerback Josh Norman.

Dan Bailey, kicker, Dallas Cowboys

For Bailey, his day was one for the books, as he was perfect on the field. With the Cowboys offense stuttering, Bailey had a field day amassing 13 points, which was more than the Buffalo Bills scored as a team. Bailey was 4-for-4 on field goals, with his longest being a 56-yarder.

Russell Okung, offensive tackle, Denver Broncos

In his first game as a Bronco, Okung looked like the player he was paid to be. He was able to protect the Broncos young quarterback, Trevor Siemian, and give him time in the pocket. Okung also contributed to helping the Broncos amass 148 rushing yards against a top-5 defense in the Carolina Panthers. Okung and the Broncos offensive line will look to continue their dominance next week against the Indianapolis Colts.

Emmanuel Ogbah, linebacker, Cleveland Browns

In his first NFL start, Ogbah looked underwhelming against the Eagles. The Browns’ 32nd pick didn’t look all that good. He tallied one solo tackle and was unable to put solid pressure on Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. The Eagles’ offensive line shut down Ogbah, and Philadelphia put up 22 points in its win against the Browns.

Lane Taylor, offensive tackle, Green Bay Packers

Taylor looked solid as he tried to keep his starting spot for the Packers. He was able to help keep Aaron Rodgers relatively upright in the Packers’ 27-23 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor helped keep the pocket clean so that the Packers could rack up 199 passing yards. He also helped open holes for the Packers’ running backs to gain 95 rushing yards.